Alex Sutcliffe, Falling in Place
Opera Gallery is delighted to present ‘Falling in Place’, an exhibition showcasing the work of American-Canadian artist Alex Sutcliffe. Featuring 15 paintings, the exhibition explores the interplay between tradition and modernity, offering works that both honour the rich legacy of painting and push its boundaries in a digitally influenced world.
Sutcliffe’s innovative technique involves layering paint and meticulously carving into it with the precision of a digital eraser, revealing intricate strata beneath. The resulting surfaces—soft yet sharply defined—offer a compelling contrast as blurred forms dissolve into the crisp, digital contours of multi-layered collages. The effect recalls the luminous intricacy of stained glass or the fragmented allure of a shattered screen.
At the heart of Sutcliffe’s practice lies a commitment to examining painting’s role in an era shaped by instantaneous image creation. Rather than allowing the digital realm to eclipse the craft of painting, he uses it as a tool to enhance and question its possibilities.
‘Falling in Place’ is not merely an exhibition but an invitation to contemplate the layered complexities of the contemporary visual landscape. It captures the multifaceted essence of modern life while uncovering moments of connection and meaning within its endless stream of images, celebrating painting as a timeless medium that bridges history and innovation.
SELECTED WORKS
Alex Sutcliffe, Battle of the Forest, 2024
Oil and acrylic on birch panel
121.9 x 152.4 cm | 48 x 60 in
Alex Sutcliffe, Bathing, 2024
Oil and acrylic on canvas
101.6 x 121.9 cm | 40 x 48 in
Alex Sutcliffe, Quiet Overflow, 2024
Oil and acrylic on birch panel
91.4 x 121.9 cm | 36 x 48 in